Safety signs are a crucial part of any workplace’s safety, but once you’ve bought and installed them, you need to make sure they’re constantly visible and getting the job done.
The best way to do this is by regularly cleaning them, but signs made from different materials may need different approaches when being cleaned. Below, we’ll explain how to clean different types of safety sign materials that you may have in the workplace.
How to Clean Faded Plastic
The best way to clean plastic on a day-to-day basis is with hot, soapy water, or a designated spray for plastic surfaces.
Over time, however, you’ll probably find that your plastic signs fade due to oxidation. When this happens, you can make a paste of three parts bicarbonate of soda to one part water.
Apply the paste to the plastic with a toothbrush, scrubbing it onto the surface. Let it sit for half an hour to lift the dirt from the plastic, then wipe it off, and rinse the plastic. After doing this, give the plastic sign a standard wash with hot soapy water and towel dry it to finish.
If you’re wondering how to clean Perspex without scratching, try using a less rough tool, like a microfiber cloth, instead of a toothbrush. You’ll have to use a bit more elbow grease to get the same result, but you’ll avoid any potential scratches left behind by the bristles.
How to Clean Vinyl Plastic
It’s best not to scrub vinyl plastic if it can be avoided, so try this approach instead. Mix together distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray the vinyl plastic sign from a distance. Leave it to sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water, and dry with a towel.
How to Clean Metal
A non-abrasive cloth and a streak-free cleaning solution are the best combination when it comes to cleaning your metal signs.
Isopropyl alcohol is a good way of removing smudges like fingerprints from metal signs. You should, however, avoid using substances like bleach or other heavy-duty cleaning products that are not designed for metal, as these can damage the surface of your sign.
When considering how to clean old metal signs, it’s important to have the right technique on top of using the right products. Make sure you’re starting in the middle of the sign and swiping your cleaning cloth towards the edges, as this will make streaking much easier to manage.
How to Clean Neon Signs
You can regularly give neon signs a basic clean by simply dusting them. However, the first thing you need to do before thoroughly cleaning a neon sign is to unplug it. This will stop any cleaning materials or liquids from coming into contact with any live electricity during cleaning, and will keep you much safer in the process.
Modern neon signs are usually made from polymer tubes, which are much easier to clean than traditional glass neon lights. Once unplugged, mix equal measures of water and household ammonia OR vinegar and baking soda. Dampen a cloth with the combination and gently wipe down the neon sign. You should never soak a neon sign in any liquids.
Get Your Safety Signs from Label Source
Are you preparing to get started with some new safety signs? Or maybe you have unsalvageable signs from improper cleaning?
Whatever your reason, you can find hundreds of safety signs and labels for various purposes available at Label Source.
